New England Patriots former tight end Aaron Hernandez, left, is arraigned in Attleboro District Court in North Attleborough, Mass., June 26, 2013. / USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

No team placed a waiver claim on former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, the Pro Bowler released Wednesday after he was arrested on a first-degree murder charge.

But should Hernandez, 23, eventually be cleared of the murder charge and five weapons charges, he would have to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before being allowed to return to the field.

Goodell advised NFL teams on Thursday that any future contract Hernandez were to sign would not take effect until after hearing with league officials.

"The purpose of the hearing would be to determine whether Hernandez should be suspended or face other action prior to the charges being resolved," the NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement .

The league on Wednesday issued a statement calling Hernandez's alleged involvement in the slaying of 27-year-old, semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd "deeply troubling."

Because Hernandez had played only three seasons, he was subject to the NFL's waiver system.

Had a team claimed Hernandez, they would have inherited both his massive contract - Hernandez signed a deal worth up to $40 million last August - and the public relations nightmare surrounding a player facing major charges.

Hernandez has not been formally indicted on the murder charge and five weapons charges, but prosecutors in Bristol County, Mass. are preparing to convene a grand jury. Hernandez is being held in jail without bail.